The Red Sox were quick to say that Lester would start on Sunday night against the Yankees, if, in fact, he is not traded by the 4pm deadline.

Some of the teams reported to be interested in acquiring the left-hander include the Athletics, Dodgers, Orioles and the Pirates.

There was also talk that the Cardinals were kicking the wheels on the three-time All-Star, but they traded for Indians right-hander Justin Masterson earlier in the day.

Lester was drafted by the Red Sox in the second round of the 2002 amateur draft, and he arrived to the big league club in 2006, as a 22-year-old starter. He has never played for another team, so obviously, this has to be difficult to deal with.

Thank you all for the kind words! Tough situation to be in but it's what we sign up for and I find comfort knowing we're in this together!